Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has paid tribute to the professionalism and maturity shown by Craig Bellamy since the Welshman rejoined the club.

Bellamy signed for the Reds for a second time on transfer deadline day, leaving Manchester City to return to Anfield five years after he was first brought there by Rafael Benitez.

That original stint on Merseyside lasted only 12 months before the former Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers man departed to West Ham United.

Dalglish's decision to bring in the 32-year-old came as a surprise to some, but so far Bellamy has scored in each of his two starts for Liverpool this season and his manager has nothing but praise for the forward's attitude.

He would certainly be much happier if he was playing more but he understands the situation maybe more than when he was younger.
Kenny Dalglish on Craig Bellamy

"Craig has been brilliant," Dalglish told the club's website. "He just loves playing football and wants to play all the time. He will make a contribution for us. He's fantastic to have around.

"Craig is a really good professional and doesn't like losing. He's not too bad when he has got the ball, either. He is more mature and better educated now. You have to be fair to everyone but he is happy to be around the place and play his part.

"He would certainly be much happier if he was playing more but he understands the situation maybe more than when he was younger. He knows everyone respects him here and that is a big thing for him. We give everyone the respect they deserve."

Bellamy's goals came in the Carling Cup victory at Brighton and Hove Albion last month and the 1-1 Premier League draw with Norwich City on Saturday, and he will be hoping to keep his place for tomorrow's fourth-round trip to Stoke City.